Enthusiastic Button eyes podium return

Sporting News Logo

McLaren's Jenson Button insists he has not lost his passion for Formula One despite a desperately poor season.

Button, who won the world title in 2009 with Brawn GP, has seen his chances of claiming a second crown decimated, with McLaren yet to finish on the podium in 2013.

The 33-year-old's fifth-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix remains his best of the campaign but, despite racing in an uncompetitive car, Button is still enthusiastic about the sport.

"The strange thing is, even though this season has been very difficult, I still get very excited about going to a grand prix. I still think we can do a great job," Button told Mobil 1 - The Grid.

"I still think we can do a great job. I haven't lost that enthusiasm even in difficult times and that makes me realise I really do love this sport.

"I have had quite a few difficult seasons and I have also had some fantastic seasons. I am experienced to know that this happens. You have just got to work through it and when you come out the other side it does feel very special."

Button admits McLaren are a long way behind the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes, but is confident that they can return to the podium this season.

"When we next stand on the podium and especially the top step of the podium, I think the whole team is not only going to be relieved, there will be a lot of excitement and a lot of adrenalin and a lot of emotion as well because we have worked so hard together," he added.

"It is amazing how quickly we have been able to adapt and change the aerodynamics of the car, the airflow and so on. But the problem now is we are a long way behind the leaders in terms of development.

"I feel that we are still going to have some good results this year. I feel we can get a podium over the next few races if all those changes go to plan."

Author(s)